Aaron Burros's Staging Area

If she, the race director, had not told me that it was her first ever race, I wouldn’t have known it. This is a small town race with a big town production. You’ll feel as though the event was put on for you and your close running crew.

The only thing missing from this race was you. Seriously, if you weren’t among the few hundreds of participants and a handful of volunteers, you were MIA and missed out BIG TIME. From the course to the live country band at the country catered cookout with its own coffee vendor — yeah, I went to a race without a Starbucks even close — your running crew and you missed out big time.

Escape the big city and run the Bear Paw if you’re looking to do what you love and relax at the same time with this quick course. And hopefully like me, you’ll get your own pacer to bring you across the finish line (see photo below of a dog who belongs to a local rancher named Richard). Put this race on your Runcation list if you want some Monumental Montana Moments.

There exist that moment where if you try to explain something you’ll ruin it. This is one of those moments. I will say this — take your family with you.

You wanna run a small town with a BIG feel? This is a great race to do. I’m hoping the Chamber takes advantage of the exposure it received from being one of the few races taking place during the pandemic 2020.

The race begins at Medford Park and quickly moves off road onto the Pine line Trail. This out and back is in the midst of picturesque farmlands. If you’re looking to get away from the big city runs and spend some quiet time alone, with God and / or family and friends, there’s no better run. And I needed my run family during this run like no other time.

If you’re not familiar with my story of why I’m running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 weeks to celebrate my 50th Birthday Year, please click the link below to Dr. Loren Muirfield’s article about my plight. With this in mind, shortly after mile 9, we found ourselves in the midst of a shooting sporting event. With guns blazing, I began recording myself on my cell while looking at others reacting to the gunfire in an attempt to focus and manage my PTSD. I would learn later that a Vietnam War Veteran was affected by the gunfire. I honestly wasn’t expecting such a display of weaponry in the middle of Central Wisconsin. I thank God I made it through and past the situation.

Although I only completed the half, I made it to another milestone. This was the first time since the events of being shot at work that I was not affected with nightmares or night terrors. Running is very therapeutic. But when therapy is met with triggers of the trauma,I am only able to be extremely grateful to the LORD my God that it wasn’t worst then it could’ve been.

What a beautiful morning, what a beautiful day, I have a beautiful feeling everything’s blowing away – literally. You couldn’t have asked for a more perfect union to begin the race. With a new marathon course, new drop-off location for the half and having had an excellent 5K day before the main events, it was a dead ringer that many PRs and course records would be set. That was until the Great Mighty Mississippi River reminded everyone – and everything – just why it is called the Great and Mighty.

Had the first 5K been an indication of things to come, I would have set my own personal goal of 5:05:50 for my 50th Birthday Year Celebration Running of Marathons time goal, instead, it was an indictment against thinking that you can do anything but show up prepared as possible to run in whatever conditions possible.

Miles 3.2 upto 8 would take the wind out of not only me, but even the elite runners on the course who would later go one to tell how their hopes were just to finish after making it just under a third into the marathon. Some like myself, pushed towards the turnaround while witnessing the elite runners being pushed by the wind. At one point, my 6′ 2″ 290 pound body was twice nearly knocked over by the 40 mph plus wind gusts. A fellow runner who past me up heading back to mile 8 laughed in awe that the wind nearly knocked me off of my feet. And as I was heading back to mile 8, the wind gust picked up and knocked over a Port-a-potty. Exhausted, I excited the trail head to climb the bridges back over to Missouri from Illinois. Little did I know that I’d find myself experiencing one of the worst episodes of PTSD that I had experienced in a little while.

I started up the bridge headed back 3 miles to the start area where we began having difficulty focusing. By the time I had reached the aid station just prior to crossing the Route 66 Bridge, I was an emotional wreck. The lady over the aid station convinced me to rest a moment and proceeded to call for someone to pick me up. However, I was determined to get to the otherwise. I knew if I could just make it to the other side, back to Missouri, that I’d finish with the wind at my back helping me. Besides, I had told myself that I needed to complete no less than 13.1 miles because my heart l great niece Gabby and another runner’s son Aiden didn’t have the choice to give up due to their pain. After gathering myself, I told the lady that I needed to at least get back across the bridge to the start. She arranged for the medics to pick me up at the start.

As I continued across Route 66, I only grew worse. My anxiety, depression and crying spells were back and in full force. I was angry, hurt, mad, disappointed, felt like a failure and many other emotions were going through my mind and body. Sometime thereafter, a medic biker rode up asking me was I okay. I quickly replied no emphatically. I knew I was far from okay. I was in a vulnerable place. I had been thrown out of a plane workout a parachute. I needed help and probably for the first time during my race wasn’t afraid to let someone know.

The biker guy stayed with me for the next mile or so. He helped by asking important questions then listening. He let me cry but kept me focused. He encouraged me to get where I could get help and decide realistically whether to continue or not. I shared why I was running, why I wanted to get to the half way point and my hopes of just needing to complete an entire marathon one day in 5:05:50. He then handed me off to another biker, a lady who I recognized from Facebook with Black Girls Run.

I continued with her expressing why I needed to get to the half mark while she continued to ask if I wanted to stop. She warned me of a steep hill and was concerned if I’d make it. To tell the truth, I was concerned if I’d make it. But I continued to cross the street where the police officer who was driving a medics transport vehicle inquired if I wanted to get in. I told him that I needed to get to the halfway mark, to which he replied that he’d wait for me there. So up the steep hill I went, stopping at some point lessthan halfway up and continuing to get to the timing mat.

As I approached the sign informing us that the mat was near, I found new energy from the sun shining — just enough energy to run through the timing mat. If only I wasn’t an emotional wreck, I would have pressed on to cross the finish line. But the pain caused from the work I had to wrought from running against and from the Great ighty Mississippi River was way too much for me to bear. I called it quits, knowing that I’d live to run another day.

I planned to knock out two states in one trip in one weekend. But my body had other plans. I woke up and drove to New Jersey to check it out. I definitely need to get back to this one.

Love this race director. He cares so much about every little detail of the race – before, during and after. And although the race course was changed due to covid-19, the cause did not get interrupted or side stepped. There were no excuses given only encouragement and expectations of what would come.

What is Your 2021 Audacious Goal?
https://murfieldcoaching.com/2021/01/12/what-is-your-2021-audacious-goal/
DIRECT DONATIONS
http://heroes.stjude.org/runningservant
TRACK MY RUNS
https://raceraves.com/runningservant/
PODCAST INTERVIEW
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=824803278272266

Hello. I’m Aaron Burros, the Running Servant and wanted to share about my 50th Birthday Year Celebration Running of Marathons. I’m running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 weeks benefiting St. Jude Children Research Hospital. Please take an opportunity to listen to the podcast TRENDS, BENDS and OPPORTUNITIES and read the article AARON’S AUDACIOUS GOALS and donate (links are at end).

“This past weekend, I ran the Daufuskie Island Marathon ON STEROIDS called the Skidaway Island Marathon. First and foremost let me say that the music selections were awesome, the bible reading was extremely refreshing and the prayer was very purposeful. The event, its director and volunteers and community along with the runners were awesome.

Going into race day I was YEAH YEAH YEAH; but during the race I was like ALL OF THE GLORY BELONGS TO YOU. So much is right about this race. If you want to connect with the creator of nature in the midst of a loving community, run Skidaway.

The race itself was an eclectic experience for me. Being able to run with others while pacing with a pacer was beautiful. Although we social distanced, just having pacers on the course was very encouraging for many. Talking and telling stories while stopping periodically to take pictures with others running the half marathon was a great experience. But around mile 7, the group fun came to an end — I would run the next 13 miles solo.
My pain was surprisingly sustainable. And while I can’t imagined the pain Aiden, Gabby and other young children go through daily from cancer, treatments and surgeries, I thought to myself this was akin to them having a good day. I made it to mile 20 with 45 minutes remaining of a strict 6 hour course time, leaving me with a 10K to run. This is when the emotional escalade ensues. Prior to being shot and sustaining glute muscle and soft tissue damage, a 10K wasn’t nothing but a breeze. Afterwards, running a 10K has become an hour plus ordeal. It would be at this moment that the anger in me rages against the machine which puts profit over people. I must stay focused.

What is Your 2021 Audacious Goal?
https://murfieldcoaching.com/2021/01/12/what-is-your-2021-audacious-goal/

DIRECT DONATIONS
http://heroes.stjude.org/runningservant

TRACK MY RUNS
https://raceraves.com/runningservant/

PODCAST INTERVIEW
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=824803278272266

Craziness comes in many different distances when it comes to walking, jogging running or any combination of the three (I. E. Wogging – mixing of walking and jogging). Some are half crazy (13.1), others are full crazy (26.2) and a select are Ultra crazy (31.7 miles and above). Me? I use to be ultra crazy before I was the victim of a violent crime (shot several times), but now I’m just AUDACIOUS and maybe just A QUARTER crazy.

If you’ve been following me, more than likely you’ve read an article or listened to a podcast about my journey and plight. If not, you may want to read or listen by clicking on the link below —

Aaron’s Audacious Goal.
https://murfieldcoaching.com/2021/01/12/what-is-your-2021-audacious-goal/

If you are familiar with why I’m running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 weeks to celebrate my 50th Birthday Year benefiting St. Jude Children Research Hospital, then you’ll know that I am no stranger to running and serving. This run of the quarter marathon was no different.

I was grateful and glad to have on the course with me a very dear friend and special lady. Although I am normally up and out at the races before the crowds arrive — I love helping behind the scenes — I rolled up on time for most but late by my standards to the race. The corrals were socially distanced and the temp was wonderful. The race was amazing all the way around. Baton Rouge is a great place to run, and the people were fantastic. It was a great experience and a special memorable moment for me in my run history.

I’d definitely recommend this race to anyone who is looking for a great overall experience. There’s nothing missing except the crowds of supporters due to Covid. But the love runners had for each other carried us.

Hello. I’m Aaron Burros, the Running Servant and wanted to share about my 50th Birthday Year Celebration Running of Marathons. I’m running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 weeks benefiting St. Jude Children Research Hospital. Please take an opportunity to listen to the podcast TRENDS, BENDS and OPPORTUNITIES and read the article AARON’S AUDACIOUS GOALS and donate (links are at end).

“This past weekend, I ran the “Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter, Hump Back”. Bridge that was the TROUBLE over calm water Marathon – the Mississippi River Marathon. I won’t spend time speaking about the course of the race except for the Mississippi River bridge going from Arkansas to Mississippi made for vehicles and not people. It expands about 2.5 miles with the half marathon and 13 mile marker on the incline — who designed this? In the words of a famous poet, DON’T BE CRUEL, BECAUSE I WOULD NEVER BE THAT CRUEL TO YOU. Continuing upward and onward you come upon mile 14 slightly pass the top of the bridge — or is that mile 15. Anyway, all I know is that when I looked back, there was a curve as far as the eye could see much like looking at the edge of the earth. This is a bridge people, not a planet.

The final mile coming off the bridge renewed my sense of purpose making me strong and invigorating my desire to run on and run strong. This was sort lived as I realized being back on the flat earth that it was the gravity pulling me off the bridge and not my body running me off. It was time for my will to kick back in. After all, I ran the first 2 hours and 20 minutes nonstop. It would take me another 4 hours and 40 minutes to run the remaining 15.2 miles (just a little under a 25K).

There are many things to appreciate about running a marathon and finishing next to dead last. For one, I was able to film everyone beginning the race for both the Arkansas Half portion and the full marathon. But what simply amazed me was the police literally drove behind the last person the entire way. I was that last person for the first 8 miles, and I tell you the truth – Ole boy was jamming. In addition, you get to see the course in the aftermath of the pack and see just how much the production people and the volunteers truly care about the runners. I never ever, ever… ever… ever experienced police and first responders cheering you on and on and on. And despite the cold weather, the volunteers played a vital part in continuing to carry us thru. But I have to give mad shots… I mean shout outs to the family and friends of the house towards the end of the private gated community. Yeah, many took shots and beer from them but I wax filled with their spirit of encouragement and sacrifice of their pickle juice for a lady I was helping to finish her first marathon.

Somewhere between miles 15 and 16, there was a lady who was praying to the LORD Jesus for help with knowing how to work through the cramps in her legs. In speaking with her, I was able to access her condition, help her hydrate properly and get pickle juice in order to keep her in the race. I was feeling good and looking forward to finishing in 6 hours. But they don’t call me the Running Servant for no reason.

If you haven’t read about my story, please click on link at the bottom to catch up to understand my why. If you have read (or heard of me, then you know that I am a sucker for a runner in distress. Seriously, and I am being serious, it has been very humbling for me to get back to running on this level. I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for the opportunity to Run and Serve. The lessons I’m learning are priceless. People are my true medals for me to display on Monday and every day thereafter.

Runners on every level were hitting their goals.
My goal was just a goal, but I wasn’t out there for a personal goal — I was out there for Aiden, a young boy I previously met at a marathon, and for Gabby, my two year old great niece who was diagnosed with a cancerous growth on her kidney along with all the other children with cancer and other childhood diseases. #IRunforAiden and #GettingItForGabby was my why regardless if I had to crawl across the finish line —thank God I didn’t have to this time.

My pain was tolerable for me but may have been intolerable for others. I’m getting stronger, but so is the pain. And while I can’t imagined the pain Aiden, Gabby and other young children go through daily from cancer, treatments and surgeries, I kept pushing through until I crossed the finish line. But not only the one at the Mississippi River Marathon but also the goal of completing my 50th Birthday Year Celebration Running of Marathons benefiting St. Jude Children Research Hospital. And I’m hoping you will not only track me but help me to reach a goal that I need your help to meet (and exceed). I’m hoping to raise $50,000 for St. Jude. Please give what you purpose in your heart to give and share my need because you have a heart. Donate here:
http://heroes.stjude.org/runningservant

By donating, families never receive a bill from St. Jude. Thank you for joining me in supporting this great organization. God bless you and yours. I’ll see you all out on the course of life. Until then, run your race well.

A great warm up the day before the big day of Marathon running. I had a great time. I’ll tell more about the entire weekend after I finish the marathon. Here’s a video you may watch.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/rLVeFb1JVHFFrG4E6

Hello. I’m Aaron Burros, the Running Servant and wanted to share about my 50th Birthday Year Celebration Running of Marathons. I’m running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 weeks benefiting St. Jude Children Research Hospital. Please take an opportunity to listen to the podcast TRENDS, BENDS and OPPORTUNITIES and read the article AARON’S AUDACIOUS GOALS and donate (links are at end).

“This past weekend, I ran the Daufuskie Island Marathon And Ultra, a hidden gem of a race located at the South of South Carolina a ferry ride across from Hilton Head Island. It was a very rewarding race that’s flat as a pancake with breathtaking views and a course made up of everything but concrete — trail shoes only needed if it were to rain. I definitely will run it again.

Going into race day I was excited about running my first live race for my birthday after Houston Chevron Marathon and Aramco Half went virtual — now it’s my 50th marathon for the state of Texas — and the Louisiana Marathon rescheduled behind the Covid–19 pandemic.

The day began before sunrise catching the ferry over to the Daufuskie Island and warming up with volunteers singing Happy Birthday to me, giving me a cinnamon role from the local bakery sponsor and heating up in the tented runner’s village. The atmosphere was calm, the runners were poised and the stage was set for an awesome race for many.

After mile eleven, I took a terrible fall (If you haven’t read about my story, please click on link at the bottom to catch up to understand) and would hobble across the half way mark thirty minutes beyond the 2.5 hours in which I planned on in order to run 05:05:50 for the marathon. When you consider what I’ve been through to get to this point, that’s a little bit reaching for me ; but this course is laid out in such a way that the impossible becomes possible. Plus the weather was perfect with no humidity.

Runners on every level were hitting their goals.
For the second loop, I could only walk in order to finish. My goal was just a goal, but I wasn’t out there for a personal goal — I was out there for Aiden, a young boy I previously met at a marathon, and for Gabby, my two year old great niece who was diagnosed with a cancerous growth on her kidney along with all the other children with cancer and other childhood diseases. #IRunforAiden and #GettingItForGabby was my why regardless if I had to crawl across the finish line.

My pain was very uncomfortable to say the least. And while I can’t imagined the pain Aiden, Gabby and other young children go through daily from cancer, treatments and surgeries, I kept pushing through until I crossed the finish line.

There were only a few other marathoners who finished behind me while every ultra marathoner had finished ahead of me. Tracy Tate and I began together and she crossed several minutes after to be the final runner off the course. The volunteers treated us as if we were the top male and female finishers — thank you all for the excellent job. Continue to be audacious. Like Arnold, “I’ll be back.”.

What is Your 2021 Audacious Goal?
https://murfieldcoaching.com/2021/01/12/what-is-your-2021-audacious-goal/

DIRECT DONATIONS
http://heroes.stjude.org/runningservant

TRACK MY RUNS
https://raceraves.com/runningservant/

PODCAST INTERVIEW
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=824803278272266